DOTD installs all-way stop in Elton

ELTON - This week the state is making efforts to improve the safety of an intersection in Elton.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) installed an all-way stop Monday at the intersection of U.S. 190 and La. 26 in Elton.

According to DOTD Public Information Officer Tammy York, all motorists on the U.S. 190 approaches will be required to make a complete stop prior to entering the intersection.

“Advanced notification is provided on intersection approaches via portable changeable message signs and warning signage,” she said.

Before the work was completed, there was a sign alerting drivers to through traffic at the two-way stop.

Town officials have been working with DOTD over the last several weeks to implement a solution at the intersection that has seen a number of deadly accidents over the last decade with many say that number is increasing.

“There have been lots of people who have died there. However, the road is managed by the state and they say they haven’t had enough fatalities to warrant a traffic light.”
– Elton Police Chief Bruce Lemelle

“There have been lots of people who have died there,” said Police Chief Bruce Lemelle. “However, the road is managed by the state and they say they haven’t had enough fatalities to warrant a traffic light.”

Rumble strips, along with warning signs equipped with flags and flashing amber lights were installed on the U.S. 190 approaches to the intersection informing motorists of the stop condition ahead.

The project was a team effort between DOTD, the mayor and state representative Mark Abraham, according to Lemelle.

The police chief said adding any safety measures to the intersection could save lives.

“This will not only enhance the safety of the people who live here, but more so the drivers coming in from other areas who maybe don’t know that this is a bad intersection,” he said. “We are trying to prevent another fatality from happening.”